Lee Herrick’s “My California” selected for America250 time capsule

California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick’s poem will be placed in the America250 time capsule buried outside Independence Hall on July 4, 2026, and preserved until 2276. The selection spotlights California’s arts community as the state marks 50 years of the California Arts Council.

Why it matters: - California is sending a poem to a national time capsule that will sit unopened for 250 years. - The selection puts California’s creative identity in front of a historic audience tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. - The California Arts Council says the moment reinforces poetry as a way to preserve memory, identity and public values across generations.

What happened: - Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced that California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick’s poem “My California” was chosen as one of seven official California contributions to the America250 time capsule. - The capsule will be buried outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026. - The capsule will not be opened until 2276.

The details: - “My California” is described as capturing the diversity, imagination, vitality and promise of the California experience. - Herrick is a two-time appointee of Governor Newsom. - The poem reflects the Central Valley, described as the agricultural capital of the United States, along with themes of place, belonging, creativity and the many voices shaping California. - Herrick said the poem grew from a belief that every person’s voice is beautiful and important. - Herrick said he hopes future Californians and Americans always have the arts and continue to hope, dream and create. - Herrick has worked with the California Arts Council on statewide poetry efforts, including the California Poetry Out Loud recitation contest for high-school students and Our California, a cultural writing project that invites residents to share creative expressions about their town, city or state. - The California Arts Council said the selection highlights poetry’s power to preserve memory, express identity and connect Californians across generations. - California Arts Council Executive Director Danielle Brazell called the poem a fitting contribution because it reflects the many perspectives within California. - Brazell said the arts are essential to how California carries its stories, values and hopes into the future. - As California Poet Laureate, Herrick serves as an advocate for poetry statewide and helps Californians experience poetry as an accessible form of creative expression. - The selection comes as the California Arts Council marks 50 years of championing arts, culture and creative expression.

Between the lines: - The time capsule choice gives California a cultural marker that is less about policy and more about identity. - The selection also ties a state arts milestone to a national anniversary, strengthening the message that arts institutions are part of civic memory, not just entertainment.

What’s next: - The America250 time capsule will be sealed on July 4, 2026. - The contents will remain preserved outside Independence Hall until 2276. - The California Arts Council will continue marking its 50th anniversary year with its arts and culture work across the state.

The bottom line: - California is using a poem to represent itself in a time capsule built for the next 250 years.